Overview
Harris County Public Library (HCPL) – History : The Harris County Public Library system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. It has grown into a network of 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services for communities in unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems.
In 2024, HCPL received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States, recognizing initiatives such as HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and the Mobile Outreach Librarian program. HCPL is recognized as a best place to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. It is a place where employees can contribute to meaningful change.
What you will do
This position is responsible for identifying and interpreting user needs; planning and implementing a variety of programs for a variety of ages to encourage library usage and foster community relations; providing exceptional customer service, reference, and readers\' advisory; and assisting library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment. Leads Innovation and Maker Space Lab activities for a variety of ages. Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in daily operations and services.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Work with the public, providing assistance at various locations that serve adults, young adults, and children; explain arrangements and resources of the library and assist patrons in their use; provide individual reading guidance and book selection
- Locate and identify the requested material and bibliographical information
- Conduct online searches using a variety of electronic equipment and databases
- Demonstrate the use of library catalogs and other reference user aids
- Research and respond to difficult or technical reference questions or complaints
- Demonstrates superior, seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity
- Plan, coordinate, and promote programs and services, including book clubs, story times, summer reading programs, library orientations, and homework assistance
- Identify information needs in the community and plan and provide services to meet these needs
- Develop and implement special programs and displays
- Evaluate existing programs and recommend modifications to improve procedures
- Organize and maintain information files, special indexes, bibliographies, and guides to the collection; assist in book selection and other library materials
- Develop an engaging and attractive library collection through awareness of current literature
- Perform public relations activities in the library and in the community, including giving presentations and hosting activities and organizations
- Develop a highly visible public relations program for library services in the community
- Responsible for Innovation Lab and Maker Space activities
- Responsible for marketing, including via social media
- Provide readers advisory and reference services
- Attend staff meetings, activities, and professional conferences and actively serve on committees
- Compile library activity reports and statistics
- Oversee, monitor, and direct the work of lower-level personnel
- Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in its daily operations and services
- Other duties as assigned
Equal Opportunity
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, see the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate. Employment is contingent upon passing a background check. Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Education & Experience :
Master Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited universityConsideration will be given to individuals currently pursuing a master’s degree in Library Science and completing the degree within the next four months; proof of completion will be required for permanent statusOne (1) year of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solvingOne (1) year of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of agesOR
Bachelor\'s degree in any field from an accredited college or universityTwo (2) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solvingTwo (2) years of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of agesOR
Associates degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or universityFour (4) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solvingFour (4) years of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of agesOR
High school diploma or GEDSix (6) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solvingSix (6) years of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of agesAdditional Requirements
Unofficial copies of transcripts are required with the applicationAvailable and reliable transportation for work-related dutiesKnowledge, Skills & Abilities
Principles and practices of professional library work, including modern library methods, practices, techniques, and terminologyTheory and philosophy of librarianshipPolicies, procedures, and functions of the library systemPrinciples of administration, organization, management, budget, personnel administration, and public relationsAbility to establish and implement goals and objectives for the LibraryAbility to exercise initiative and act with discretionAnalyze and respond to community needs and requestsExcel in customer service skills of empathy, good communication, and problem-solvingAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environmentSkill in self-discipline, dependability, and the ability to work independentlyExcellent communication skills, both verbal and writtenAbility to work with modern technology and equipmentProficient with the Internet, MS Office Suite, and Office 365Proficient with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and digital devicesAbility to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers and decimalsMust use your personal mobile device for Multifactor AuthenticationNote : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application. You may attach a resume, but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration.
Experience : Working with all age groups (preferred)
Language : Bilingual (preferred)
Position Type and Typical Hours
Full-Time | Regular – 40 hours a weekTypical shifts are Day, Evening, Nights, Weekends, etc.May require attending meetings or after-hours events and off-site meetings.Salary
$24.91 per hourPaid BiweeklyWork Environment and Physical Demands
Professional office environment with overhead lighting and long periods of screen timeDaily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phoneSoftware : Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, ExcelOutdoor work possible; exposure to weather or temperature changesDriving : Available and reliable transportationStanding / walking; ability to lift up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 40 poundsReporting Relationships
Reports To : Branch Manager and Assistant Branch ManagerSupervises : NoneWork Location
Jacinto City Branch Library – 921 Akron, Jacinto City
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check. Positions may close earlier than the closing date at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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